Atiku accuses Ogun deliberately turning down request twice in a year
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Atiku Abubakar has accused the Ogun government of fabricating excuses to deny him access to MKO Abiola International Stadium twice within a year for him to mount his campaign in Abeokuta.
The first request made in April 2022 was turned down. The second made in January 2023 for his rally on 19 January was also refused on the excuse the stadium is undergoing renovation.
But the same stadium was used for a football match in the Iseya Cup Competition on Sunday 15 January.
Atiku made both requests through state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretary
Sunday Solarin to the Ogun Youth and Sports Ministry.
Solarin wrote on his behalf to the Youth and Sports Commissioner on 3 January to use the stadium for a rally on 19 January and recalled in the letter how an earlier request for the same purpose was refused by the state government.
“It is pertinent to mention that the use of this state asset was sought in April 2022 vide a letter dated 5th April 2022 requesting for the use of the facility for the conduct of our party primary,” Solarin wrote.
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Tactical denial of stadium use
“Surprisingly, our humble request was kept in abeyance to date which translated to tactical denial,” Solarin said, per reporting by The PUNCH.
“While we will like to put this unwarranted denial behind us, we wish to vehemently emphasise that the use of state assets should be to the benefit of the general citizenry irrespective of any leaning.
“We, therefore, once again formally write to seek the usage of this facility for the purpose, and on the date indicated above.”
Yet, the Youths and Sports Ministry turned down the latest request in a letter dated 10 January, with the excuse the stadium is undergoing renovation.
“Further to your letter of 3rd January 2023, in respect to the above subject, I have the directive to inform you that the MKO Abiola International Stadium is undergoing a major renovation of the spectators’ seats and other important areas within the premises,” wrote I.A. Kuforiji, the Director, Administration and Supplies For Permanent Secretary.
“As we are all aware that people of high profile in the society are expected to be in attendance and the facility is not yet in good condition to accommodate events until it is completed and ready for use.
“In this regard, the ministry would not be able to accede to your request for the above-stated reason.”
